Freeview viewers will need to retune TVs today

Freeview viewers in our region will need to retune their televisions today Credit: PA

Freeview viewers in parts of Devon, Dorset and Cornwall will need to retune their TV

equipment today as local airwaves are cleared for the roll-out of faster mobile broadband.

Technical changes at the Beacon Hill, Stockland Hill, Caradon Hill and Redruth transmitter groups will free up frequencies for the future introduction of fourth-generation mobile services. Between now and the end of July 2013, similar upgrades will be made at a number of transmitters across the UK to prepare for 4G†

Around 227,000 homes in areas such as Plympton, Newton Abbott, Budleigh Salterton, Brixham and Truro will be affected.

Technical changes at the Waltham transmitter group will free up frequencies for the future introduction of fourth-generation mobile services.

Services at some local relay transmitters may be off-air until mid afternoon.

Once these start again, anyone missing channels should retune their TV or digital box to get them back.

Some TV services may have been subject to disruption from midnight as channels including BBC One, BBC Two, ITV, Channel 4 and Channel 5 moved to new frequencies.

Viewers who can receive signals from more than one TV region may need to manually retune to select their preferred services.

Between now and the end of 2013, similar upgrades will be made at a number of transmitters across the UK to prepare for 4G†.

How to retune Freeview equipment:

  • Make sure your Freeview TV or box is on

  • If you have a Freeview TV, ensure it is in digital mode by pressing the DTV or digital button on your remote

  • Then press 'menu'

  • Select the 'set up' or 'installation' option

  • If you see picture icons, select the tool box, satellite dish or spanner

  • If you are prompted for a code, try 0000 or 1234

  • Select the full retune option. This is sometimes called 'first time installation', 'factory reset', 'default settings' or 'shipping conditions'. Selecting 'channel update' or 'add channels' may not always fully clear old channels and enable new ones to be found

  • Press 'OK' if you are prompted to delete all your channels; don't worry, this is normal

  • Channels will automatically be installed. This may take a few minutes and your equipment may shut down and restart

  • For detailed retuning instructions visit digitaluk.co.uk/retuning or call 08456 50 50 50